I’m both young enough to have grown up reading Deborah Abela’s Max Remy series and old enough to have already been a bookseller for a number of years, so I’m delighted to see Abela is back with The Book of Wondrous Possibilities. This book is everything I would have wanted to read as a child.

Arlo has been living with his Uncle Avery above a bookshop since the death of his mother. It’s a quiet life filled with lots of books, the perfect escape from Arlo’s grief. His only friend is Herbert, his little mouse. All of that changes when Lisette bursts into the shop, begging for Arlo’s help. Without giving too much away, this is a thrilling story with twists and turns, attempts to save Lisette’s grandmother’s old bookshop, kidnappings, a prison escape, and plenty of carrot cake and scones!

What is particularly magical in this story is the grimoire – a book of spells and magic that has the power to turn stories into reality, if the right person is reading them. Arlo’s story in the grimoire is the guiding light throughout the book, helping him to find his inner bravery, kindness and to move forward with his grief. The Book of Wondrous Possibilities is a work borne out of Abela’s appreciation for booksellers, librarians and readers, and is perfect for fans of The Grandest Bookshop in the World and The Secret Library of Hummingbird House.

For ages 8+.

Clare Millar is from Readings online